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Update on the Enhancement of the MFSP: Mental Health

Building upon the recommendations of the Mental Health and Social Support Advisory Committee and the feedback received at Canadian Forces (CF) Family Summits I and II, Director Military Family Services (DMFS) has been hard at work assessing existing best practices and programs as part of the national mental health strategy.

Though excellent mental health and social support services exist in many CF communities, there are inconsistencies in the level of support available to CF families from location to location. DMFS is focused on filling the identified service “gaps” by finding innovative ways to:

- Raise awareness about the services currently available;
- Develop overarching policies and standards for the delivery of CF family mental health services;
- Tailor mental health services to support underserved populations such as children and youth;
- Develop resiliency support and training which address the unique characteristics of the CF lifestyle.

Throughout 2009, much exciting progress was made on projects designed to fill these gaps. Working in conjunction with the CF “Be the Difference” Mental Health Awareness Campaign, DMFS developed several education and training resources for military families.

Locally, the Petawawa MFRC piloted the Friends and Neighbours Club, a set of educational puppet shows which encourage dialogue with children about social challenges and mental health. At the Kingston MFRC, the Friends for Life program was piloted as a tool to teach young people to prevent, cope with and manage feelings of anxiety and depression. For its pilot, the Valcartier MFRC ran the Ensemble pour Mieux Comprendre (E=MC3) program, which is designed to help families adapt to life with an operational stress injury.

The results of these initiatives will be included in DMFS’ comprehensive analysis of the proposed enhancements for the Military Family Services Program. Those projects that are selected to proceed will then be proposed for endorsement by Chief Military Personnel. 

Mental Health and Social Support

Click here to view the Mental Health and Social Support Advisory Committee and Working Group's Presentation Notes and Slides.

Consistency and Accessibility Key Recommendations of Mental Health Committee

The members of the Canadian Forces (CF) Family Mental Health and Social Support Advisory Committee want to ensure that mental health services are seamlessly provided and easily accessed for all CF families. Click here for more.